Novak Djokovic, ranked number two in the world, extended his unbeaten start to 2011 with another victory over world number one Rafael Nadal in the Sony Ericsson Open final in Miami.
The 23 year old Serbian came through 4-6 6-3 7-6 (7-4) to claim his seventh Masters Series win, his fourth title of the year and take his 2011 record to 24-0. It is the best start to a year in men’s tennis since Ivan Lendl began with 25 consecutive victories in 1986.
Both men now head for Europe for the start of the clay-court season with Nadal, who won just about everything on clay last season, having to defend a huge number of ranking points. A few more victories for Djokovic and he could be challenging for the numero uno spot.